AROUND 40,000 people living in Hounslow could face more aircraft noise if plans to redraw Heathrow's flightpaths go ahead.

Councillors warned this week that National Air Traffic Services (NATS) proposals could spell further noise misery for residents under the southern flightpath.

NATS wants to redraw the aircraft route map and has proposed changing the path of planes taking off over London so they would flyover more homes in the south of the borough.

The scheme could go ahead even if the Government drops controversial plans to expand Heathrow Airport and residents were urged to respond to the NATS consultation on the proposals before the end of May.

"Most local people are fully aware of proposals to expand Heathrow and have given their support to the council's 'Say No' campaign," said cabinet member for aviation Cllr Barbara Reid.

"However, these proposals to redraw the flightpaths have gone largely unnoticed."

Councillors said they would respond to the consultation on behalf of the authority but that it was crucial the public also made its voice heard.